Death Is Defeated

John 8:51 "Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."

These Jews were completely missing the point of what Jesus was saying to them. The word "keep" means "to guard or to attend to carefully". It means that we are to not only pay close attention to and understand it, but also obey it. It is important to understand that what Jesus spoke of here was not physical death. Physical death, today, is unavoidable, unless the rapture happens. Outside of that, we will all see physical death. However, for those of us who have trusted, believed, and called upon the Name of Jesus, and accepted Him as our Savior, we will never see spiritual death. This is what Jesus spoke of to these Jews. Their lineage could not save them. No matter how much they tried to keep the Law, which they could not, that would not save them. No matter what traditions they made up, it was pointless as far as salvation was concerned. The point being that eternal life, an escape from eternal death, can only be found in Jesus, and Him alone. Although we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, none of our works can add to our salvation. Our works can do nothing to add favor to us in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. All the favor we will ever have has already been bestowed upon us by what Jesus did for us on the cross. When He said it was finished, it was finished. The only thing our works prove is our faith; but only when done by faith, and as a byproduct of our salvation. The bottom line is that there is no condemnation for those of us who have heard His Word, believed it, and followed it unto salvation. If we have done that, then the Spirit has sealed us, indwelt us, and we are now a child of God forever; and death can no longer have us. If we are to show forth evidence of that, then we are to love Jesus, not just by being hearers of His Word, but also by being doers of His Word. In Jesus, death is defeated, and by His grace we share the victory!

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).